[MEDIA ALERT] Tasmania wins Cattle Australia young beef judges national title, ahead of Victoria

Championship judge Ben Davies of Wild Bear Herefords placed Tasmanian competitor Candina Crowden ahead of a strong field of young beef cattle judges at today's national finals, sponsored by Cattle Australia. 

"The depth of quality across the competition was exceptional. A great group of young people, showing passion and ability to explain cattle. If this is the future of the industry it is in great hands," Ben said. 

Candina began competing in junior judging in 2018 with her school team, and has loved it ever since. Now a school teacher, Candina has had many show ring successes including taking out Grand Champion Herdsman at the Tasmanian Junior Beef Expo with her foundation female, Quarterway Pythia.

"I was introduced to agriculture during high school through my school farm. I studied a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, and now work at a school farm while operating a small Angus stud," Candina said.

"I wasn't expecting to win, I just tried my best and wanted to make my state proud."

Runner up was awarded to Victoria's Matilda Sullivan who hails from a farming family producing Hereford and Murray Grey cattle, 1500 free-range Isa Brown hens, and an olive tree harvest. 

She first competed in her local show at age nine with her primary school show team. From there, Matilda took her own Hereford cattle to local shows before progressing to royal shows where she competed individually and for other studs. At just 16, she's still exploring the possibilities for her future, but one thing is clear: agriculture and showing are already shaping her journey.

"I'm really, really happy and didn't expect it as I'm so young," Matilda said at the presentation.

"When I saw the cattle, I just judged them and it felt natural."

"In ten years' time I hope to have completed my ag science course and either have a job in livestock genetic science or agronomy, and be actively working in the industry. I still aim to run my Hereford and Murray Grey studs and I still want to be showing."

Third place went to Queensland's Alexandra Olive, 19, Comet. Alexandra grew up on her family's mixed beef and cropping enterprise in Central Queensland, where her love for agriculture - especially the red meat industry - was sparked early. 

Now studying a dual degree in Agricultural Business and Agricultural Science (majoring in Animal Science) at the University of Queensland, she's already running her own small Brahman stud and commercial herd. A seasoned competitor across the Central Queensland show circuit and the Royal Queensland Show, Alexandra's highlights include winning the Beef Australia Stud Cattle Young Judges Competition last year.

"This competition means so much to me because I have always aspired to compete in such a showcase of passion and dedication like some of my role models," Alexandra said.

"I simply love the industry and subsequently the sport as it allows for like-minded passionate, dedicated and hard-working industry leaders to showcase their knowledge on a high level platform."

The competition is sponsored by Cattle Australia, the national peak body for the grass-fed cattle industry, championing the interests of all Australian cattle producers with a unified, visible, and influential voice.

"This is one of many junior beef events Cattle Australia supports around the nation as part of our commitment to supporting the future growth of our industry," Cattle Australia deputy chair Adam Coffey said as he presented the successful competitors with their prizes.

"The organisation is delighted to support youth and the next generation in the cattle industry."

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